Afghanistan Travel and Tourism

Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country that is located approximately in the center of Asia. It is variously designated as geographically located within Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. It is bordered by Iran in the south and west, Pakistan in the south and east, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China in the far northeast.
Afghanistan is a crossroads between the East and the West, and has been an ancient focal point of trade and migration. It has an important geostrategic location, connecting South and Central Asia and Middle East. Because of this, the land has been a target of various invaders and conquerors, as well as a source from which local powers invaded surrounding regions to form their own empires. Ahmad Shah Durrani created the Durrani Empire in 1747, which is considered the beginning of modern Afghanistan. Subsequently, the capital was shifted to Kabul and most of its territories ceded to former neighboring countries. In the late 19th century, Afghanistan became a buffer state in "The Great Game" played between the British Indian Empire and Russian Empire. On August 19, 1919, following the third Anglo-Afghan war, the country regained full independence from the United Kingdom over its foreign affairs.
Since the late 1970s Afghanistan has suffered continuous and brutal civil war in addition to foreign interventions in the form of the 1979 Soviet invasion and the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban government. In late 2001 the United Nations Security Council authorized the creation of an International Security Assistance Force . This force is composed of NATO troops that are involved in assisting the government of President Hamid Karzai in establishing the writ of law as well as rebuilding key infrastructures in the nation. In 2005, the United States and Afghanistan signed a strategic partnership agreement committing both nations to a long-term relationship. In the meantime, multi-billion US dollars have also been provided by the international community for the reconstruction of the country.

Kabul Restaurants are excellent places in the city to enjoy some fabulous and delicious food. This ancient city is the capital of Afghanistan. On your Kabul tours, you will come across a number of restaurants in the city. You will have a wonderful dining experience at the Restaurants in Kabul.
Some of the top Restaurants in Kabul are –
• Café Zarnegar: One of the best restaurants in Kabul, this eatery offers appetizing dishes from international cuisine.
• Afghan International Pizza Express: This is a nice place to enjoy some scrumptious pizzas.
• Delhi Darbar: Outstanding Indian food is available at this restaurant.
• Escalades Restaurant: Offers delicious preparations from European cuisine.
• ...

The Afghans have always celebrated their festivals with dollops of enthusiasm. Afghan festivals can broadly be categorised into three types: Traditional, National and Religious. Nauroz is the largest and best known festival of Afghanistan. Jeshyn-Afghan Day, a national day, is observed on 19August. Most Afghans have adopted Islam as their religion and celebrate all their religious festivals with devotion and zeal.
Popular Festivals
Ashura
10th Day of the month of Muharram
Musharram commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain or Husayn bin Ali, whom Shias regard as the rightful successor the Prophet. Muharram is the first month month day of Islamic calendar. Ashura is the tenth day ...

Gandhara Art is a type of Buddhist art which developed between 1st century BC and 7th century AD in Gandhara region, which is northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan today. Also known as Greco-Buddhist art, it developed when artistic influences from Greek and Rome mixed with Buddhist traditions of Afghanistan. Under patronising of Kushan kings, Gandhara Art new heights. At the same time, a different style of art was developing at Mathura in India.
Style and Its Evolution
Buddhas of Gandhara Art are Greek monarchs wearing the light toga-resembling himation. The structures where the art forms are placed are developed in Greek style. Pantheon of Greek and Indian deities encircle these deities. Initial Gandhara ...

The game of Buzkashi, literally translated as 'goat grabbing' has its roots in Afghan antiquity. The game is very exciting and the Afghans take pride in playing it. Whenever the game of Buzkashi is on, the town or village comes to standstill, for all the residents flock to enjoy the game. Buzkashi is also considered the national sport of Afghanistan.
The Game
Headless carcass of calf or goat is kept in the center of a field. Players of two opposing teams try to get hold of the carcass and carry it to the goal area. This is not a simple task and requires great skills. Novice players cannot even get close to the carcass. The game continues until a team is announced the winner. Winner of the match receives prizes ran...

Food in Afghanistan
Afghan food is tasteful fusion of the regions that neighbor Afghanistan. Major ethnic groups are Pashtuns, Tajiks and Uzbeks. Modern Afghan cuisine is the blending of the cooking methods of the cooking methods of the three. Influence of India is obvious in the use of spices like saffron, coriander, cardamom and black pepper. The Afghans prefer cuisine which is neither too spicy nor hot.
Afghan Specials
Qabli Pulao: It is the most popular dish of Afghanistan. It is steamed rice with chops of raisins and carrot. It is often served with lamb. Other variants of pulao are also available in Afghanistan. People eat it with meat, vegetables orbeans.
Kababs: Lamb kabab is a favorite of the Afghans...